ASU basketball looking toward trio of guards

As a transfer from Liberty, guard Evan Gordon is sitting out this season, but that hasn't made him immune from the bad luck that's infected Arizona State basketball.

In April, Gordon decided to transfer to ASU in part to be closer to older brother Eric, who played for the Clippers in Los Angeles. Eight months later, the Clippers traded Eric Gordon across the country to the New Orleans Hornets.

So much for that.

"It was kind of disappointing, but that's something that's a part of his life, so I just took it in stride," Gordon said. "I go out and visit him when our team leaves (on road trips). I still like to be here, so it doesn't make a big difference."

Entering Saturday's Pac-12 home contest against USC, the Sun Devils are struggling. By now, everyone knows as much. But part of what gives coach Herb Sendek hope for next season -- especially given the frequency in which is team commits turnovers -- is a trio of guards he hasn't been able to use this season.

Gordon, transfer Bo Barnes and freshman Jahii Carson are not eligible to compete this season. Gordon and Barnes had to sit out because of NCAA transfer rules, and Carson did not qualify academically but still was allowed to practice.

It's not easy sitting out, especially when your team struggles. Both Gordon and Barnes think they could've helped this season, but they're also grateful for the time to work on their games.

"I've just been making sure I get in the gym as much as possible," said Barnes, a 6-foot-4 sophomore who transferred from Hawaii. "I'm (also) trying to get stronger with the weightlifting, just trying to be ready for next season."

As a sophomore, Gordon, a 6-1 guard, averaged a team-high 14.4 points and 2.2 assists at Liberty. He shot 38 percent from the field and 33.7 from 3-point range. Next season he's expected to play both guard positions.

"I bring a lot of scoring and defense and toughness, and I already have some experience, so I can help out in that way," Gordon said.

Barnes, a 2009 Phoenix Scottsdale Christian High graduate, started eight times his freshman season at Hawaii, averaging 6.9 points and shooting 38.8 percent from 3-point range. He hit five 3-pointers in a game on four occasions and had a season high of 19 points.

"Shooting for sure," Gordon said when asked how Barnes might contribute. "I thought he was just a stand-still shooter, but he has a lot to his game."

The transfers team with Carson and non-scholarship players Dave Whitmore and Pierre Newton to make up ASU's scout team. Occasionally, they get the best of ASU's starters.

"Both guys have had a really good year of practice for us," Sendek said of Gordon and Barnes. "Both guys have really helped us in practice, as Jahii has, so we've been fortunate from that standpoint to have three guys that are able to really increase the competitiveness of our practices. I think all three are outstanding players."